Okay, so my sister recommended Fifty Shades of Grey– — and since she also loved the amazing Hunger Games as well, I promised to take a look.

So far, I’m only about 75 pages in and yes, it is hot!  I seriously cannot think of a less sexy location than an international corporate office building — can you say, “pinstripe sweatshop”? — but E. L. James makes desks, walls and floor treatments sound downright erotic. How is that possible? Because she’s a darn good writer, that’s how.

That’s not to say any actual sex has occurred yet, or even nudity (I think they kissed once, in an elevator). So what’s the attraction? Not sure, but I think it has to do with restraint, as these two not-very-socially skilled people try to connect with each other. Whoever said “power is an aphrodisiac” is WRONG — it’s power with restraint that is a turn-on, and I think she’s nailed it here.

The target audience here has got to be adult women — I can’t imagine many straight guys would get into this particular wordy style. (No pics, sorry guys. And there’s an actual plot! Just sayin’. . .) Put it this way: if you husband runs in the opposite direction when you offer to turn the Pride & Prejudice DVD back to the drawing-room dialog scenes, he probably won’t like this. Post a comment if you disagree.

Be warned: a very reliable source (a friend of the receptionist at my chiropractor’s office) reports that she had to put the book down when it got too graphic. Haven’t got that far yet but I’ll keep you posted for sure. Also, the book cover mentions the character’s “loving family” which makes me think he is married (!). Turns out he’s got siblings. Big difference in my mind, but I’m pretty old-fashioned about such things.

And of course, I’ll be providing  dramatic readings in the chiropractors’ reception area next time I go in.  Buy and download your kindle edition here- download to kindle, Kobo, or right to your laptop. And, stay tuned for more. 

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